Thanks to this awesome (read the sarcasm here) time of uncertainty we’re facing with Covid-19, many of us are feeling a little extra (or a lot) stress right now.
One of our favorite ways to calm our brains when they seem to be spiraling out of control is with a little CBD tea.
It’s easy to add CBD to your mug, and when it comes to stress, there’s nothing quite like sitting back breathing in that aromatic steam.
But that’s not all you can do to kick your stress down a peg. There are plenty of other ways to calm you body and your mind and relieve stress naturally:
CBD Tea & Other Natural Stress Relievers
1. CBD Tea
When it comes to stress relief, a dropper of CBD under the tongue can work wonders, but we’re also fans of pairing it with some stress-relieving herbal teas for that extra boost.
Our go-to? Chamomile.
To make CBD tea, brew your water and let your chamomile tea steep for a few minutes. Then, add your preferred dose of CBD oil. You can also add some honey for a bit of natural sweetness.
Orange ginger CBD tea is also a favorite. Slice up an orange and peel some fresh ginger, steep them in a teapot, then strain. Add your CBD, and again, a little honey. This is a great immune boosting recipe or digestive aid when your stomach is in knots from stress!
2. Exercise
Did you know that the simple act of getting up and moving around can reduce stress? It’s true. It gives your muscles the chance to move, encourages blood flow, and can help take your mind off your stressors.
Plus, the deep breathing brought about by exercise triggers your body’s relaxation response.
Do you need to do hard cardio and work up a sweat to reap the benefits? Nope. Even just a leisurely walk can do the job. The best part is, it’s easy and you don’t need to join a gym or buy any special equipment.
Walking regularly (a few times a week) can reduce the risk of many stress-related conditions, including cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure and cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes. People who walk on a regular basis also report reduced stress levels and a self-confidence that comes from taking an active role in their well-being.
Want an exercise that’s a little more fun? Dance! Turn up the radio and have a kitchen dance party. It may sound silly at first, but this is great to get the whole family in on the action, and you’ll be laughing and carefree before you know it.
3. Pets
Dogs really are (hu)man’s best friend – and not just because of their loyalty. Just think about how much better you feel walking in the door after a particularly stressful day and are greeted by those slobbery dog kisses and unconditional love. Or how soothing it is to sit with your furry feline curled up in your lap, purring away.
For many people, spending time with a pet is the ultimate stress reliever. And it isn’t just in our heads. Research confirms it. In fact, in one study, people were presented with stressful tasks in four different situations – alone, with their spouse, with their pet, or with both their spouse and their pet. Researchers found those in the situation where they were only with their pet experienced the lowest stress response and the quickest recovery!
Other studies indicate that pets are powerful forms of stress relief because of the hormone responses they have on the body. Spending time with your animal can actually lower harmful stress hormones like cortisol and boost beneficial ones like oxytocin, the happiness hormone. And studies show that some people experience an increased release of endorphins and dopamines after just five minutes with a pet!
4. Writing
Dear diary…
No, this isn’t your locked grade school journal we’re talking about. It’s the highly beneficial grown-up version. There are plenty of adults who find some serious stress relief just by writing down there thoughts. And it actually makes a lot sense.
Experts say that journaling works because it serves as an escape or emotional release. It forces you to check out on everything else and focus on you. By writing down your thoughts and feelings, you’re focusing on the present and processing thoughts and emotions in the here-and-now. By gaining this focus, you can better manage your stress.
Don’t feel like keeping a journal? There’s also a benefit to writing things down and simply throwing the words away. Literally. Sit down with your cup of CBD tea, write out your thoughts, then toss them. The simple act can help rid your mind of the negative thoughts, thereby reducing stress! Or, if you want to be friendlier to the environment, type the words, then hit delete and watch them erase from the virtual page. It’s the same thing 🙂
And, if you choose to start each day with “Dear diary,” that’s cool too! We can totally get behind that nostalgia.
5. Meditation
Meditation for stress relief has been practiced around the world for thousands of years.
It was originally meant to help deepen a person’s understanding of the sacred and mystical forces of life. Over time, however, meditation has come to represent a significant outlet for relaxation and stress reduction. Whether you’re a regular meditator or you’ve never tried it, it’s hard to ignore the fact that it’s a tried and true stress reliever.
At its core, meditation is simply the act of focusing your attention and eliminating that jumbled mess of thoughts flowing through your brain.
The beautiful thing about meditation is that anyone can do it. It’s simple and doesn’t cost a thing. Plus, you can do it anywhere!
If you’re new to meditation, find a comfortable spot to sit, close your eyes, and breathe normally. Focus your attention on your breath and how your body moves with each inhalation and exhalation. Notice the movement of your body as you breathe. Simply focus all of your attention on your breath without controlling its pace or intensity. If your mind wanders to other things, just bring it back to your breath. The point it really just to clear your mind.
It may seem easy, but it can be a really challenge. Try it for a few minutes until you get the hang of it, and then work up to longer periods of time.
6. Yoga
Sure, you could probably include this under exercise, but it’s kind of it’s own deal. And it’s got its own set of distinctions from say walking or lifting weights.
As a form of strength training, yoga helps relieve physical tension. It also uses deep breathing, which triggers the body’s relaxation response.
Studies have shown that yoga reduces blood pressure too.
But perhaps yoga’s biggest benefit – and what ultimately makes it different from regular exercise – is the mental focus it promotes. Focus is key to stress management. It’s easy to manage your mind when running through your postures. So, it’s kind of like walking and meditation rolled into one!
If you’re new to yoga, your first instinct might be to take a class, and that’s a great idea. Not really realistic right now though. Instead, try YouTube for inspiration. Look for videos made specifically for beginners.
Back to CBD Tea
With the world turned on its head right now, keeping your stress in check is super important. Not only is it going to impact your mood or your sleep if left to build up, it’s also linked to many chronic illnesses. By doing one (or many of) the things on this list, you can help reduce your risk of stress-related illness and boost your health. And let’s face it, that’s a top priority for all of us right now!
So, brew a pot of CBD tea, sit back with your furry friend, and be well friends!